Nhat Mai Nguyen Thi

Financial decisions shape not only economic outcomes but also personal security and long-term resilience. My aspiration to pursue finance emerged from early exposure to real-life financial uncertainty within my family, where important monetary decisions were often approached with hesitation rather than strategy. This experience led me to recognize that financial literacy is not merely technical competence, but a form of responsibility, one that empowers individuals to make informed choices under uncertainty. As a result, I became determined to pursue finance and investment as a means to create clarity, discipline, and value for both individuals and society. At Foreign Trade University, I pursued academic rigor with consistency and focus. I graduated with a GPA of 3.73 and completed my undergraduate thesis with distinction. My research engagement was recognized through Third Prize in Faculty-level Scientific Research, as well as publications in both domestic and international academic journals. In parallel, I achieved Runner-up in the International Quant Championship (Vietnam round) organized by WorldQuant, demonstrating my ability to apply quantitative reasoning in competitive, real-world problem-solving contexts. I was also awarded multiple merit-based scholarships and recognized as an outstanding student. These achievements collectively reflect not only academic capability, but sustained intellectual curiosity and commitment to analytical excellence. My academic interests were further reinforced through professional experience. Inspired by my uncle’s belief that “youth should dare to dream big,” I made a decisive move to Ho Chi Minh City to undertake a Research Analyst internship. This role provided firsthand exposure to sell-side investment research, including equity valuation, industry analysis, and the formulation of investment recommendations. I participated in meetings with corporate executives and institutional investors, and engaged in discussions with Mr. Michael Kokalari, Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at VinaCapital. During this internship, I developed practical skills in working with Bloomberg data, analyzing how macroeconomic shifts affect capital flows, and understanding the interconnectedness of global asset markets. More importantly, the experience strengthened my analytical independence and professional confidence. I learned to question assumptions, evaluate risk, and communicate insights clearly, transforming my academic interest in finance into a well-defined professional commitment.